2008 Movie News Archives
February 11, 2008: Kyle MacLachlan on Voicing Superman in New Frontier
Kyle MacLachlan ("Desperate Housewives") makes his initial foray into animated super hero voiceovers as Superman in "Justice League: The New Frontier," the second DC Universe original animated PG-13 film presented by Warner Premiere, produced by Warner Bros. Animation and distributed by Warner Home Video.In addition to MacLachlan, the all-star voice cast includes David Boreanaz (Green Lantern), Neil Patrick Harris (The Flash), Lucy Lawless (Wonder Woman), Kyra Sedgwick (Lois Lane), Brooke Shields (Carol Ferris), Jeremy Sisto (Batman), Miguel Ferrer (Martian Manhunter) and Phil Morris (King Faraday). David Bullock is director and Michael Goguen is supervising director on the film, which was written by Stan Berkowitz.
Below you'll find Kyle MacLachlan's thoughts on recording for "Justice League: The New Frontier"...
- Kyle MacLachlan - Voice of Superman in "Justice League: The New Frontier"
From his head-turning debuts in "Dune" and "Blue Velvet" to his iconic Special Agent Dale Cooper in "Twin Peaks" and his current plum primetime role on "Desperate Housewives," Kyle MacLachlan has had a memorable career.
Now you can add a new benchmark for the actor: MacLachlan makes his animation debut as the voice of Superman in the highly-anticipated direct-to-DVD film, "Justice League: The New Frontier."
"Superman stands for so many things that I believe in - strength, justice, fighting for what's right," said MacLachlan. "You just can't turn down the opportunity to play a guy like Superman."
MacLachlan is an integral part of an all-star cast that includes Neil Patrick Harris, David Boreanaz, Brooke Shields, Miguel Ferrer, Jeremy Sisto, Kyra Sedgwick and Phil Morris. Casting for the film focused on finding actors that could channel the tones of the Korean war era of the mid-1950s without sounding corny or old-fashioned.
"Kyle MacLachlan is the perfect example - he sounds exactly like what you'd think a '50s era Superman would sound like," explains executive producer Bruce Timm. "He's very righteous and good, but still very natural. We didn't want the sound of Superman in 2008, and Kyle gave such a great, stylized performance in capturing that mid-50s feel."
MacLachlan doesn't claim any specific talent for a '50s super hero - he just tried to echo the Superman in his psyche.
"There's a sort of moral imperative that Superman has, and I think the language he uses is a little more proper -- he's just not a guy who uses his words casually," MacLachlan said. "So maybe, unconsciously, that 1950s tone just creeps in there for me."
MacLachlan enjoyed his first voiceover experience in animation, though it was not without challenges. As usual, the cast recorded the script before the animation began, then the cast returned to the booth about 10 months later to add and tweak the dialogue and effects. While MacLachlan is accustomed to live-action looping, the animation equivalent proved more challenging.
"When I'm synching to myself in live action, which is what I usually do, my mouth moves the same way and I can see it visually and it somehow connects," MacLachlan said. "This is a little more difficult because the animated mouth moves a little differently -- the animation doesn't quite have the same amount of detail that you would see in a real-life performance. Like the word "strategy" - we were having trouble in the booth getting that one right because I couldn't really see how it was formed in my animated mouth. But we made it all work."
MacLachlan found particular amusement in the voicing the action sequences within the film, particularly those moments that called for going beyond even the far-reaching imagination of his roles in David Lynch films.
"The physical performance is fun - you have to use your imagination a lot more," he said. "It's a lot of grunts and oomphs and ughs, which you just can't help but act out physically. I'm sure it looks funny from the other side of the glass. Like in one scene, it was about getting hit with a pterodactyl wing versus getting punched by a super villain. There's apparently a difference in that sound. So you have to shade it a bit and use the imagination."
MacLachlan admits it will be tough to accept another super hero role after his performance in "Justice League: The New Frontier."
"Once you've done Superman, it's hard to go anywhere else," MacLachlan said. "So I think I've reached the zenith of my super hero experience."
Don't forget, you can pre-order the "Justice League: The New Frontier" now in either a 2-disc special edition DVD, a single-disc DVD, Blu-ray disc, or HD DVD.
2008 Movie News
Listed below are all the Movie News items archived for 2008 organized into various categories:Superman Returns & Sequel/Reboot Movie News:
- January 3, 2008: No Superman for Singer? JLA Movie Delayed?
- January 5, 2008: Routh NOT Out of Superman Sequel
- January 9, 2008: Eddie Yang Reveals Unused Superman Costume Designs
- January 11, 2008: Variety Article on Superman Movie Status
- February 22, 2008: JLA and Superman Movie Rumors
- March 4, 2008: Brandon Routh Talks Superman Sequel
- March 10, 2008: Superman Movie Sequel News
- March 11, 2008: Bryan Singer Talks Superman Sequel
- March 18, 2008: Concept Art From Failed Superman Movie Projects
- March 20, 2008: More Unused Superman Movie Designs
- March 24, 2008: Kevin Spacey on Returning for Superman Sequel
- March 24, 2008: Kate Bosworth Talks Superman Returns and Sequel
- April 1, 2008: Fortress of Solitude Paintings from Superman Returns
- April 22, 2008: Legendary Pictures CEO Talks Superman Sequel
- April 24, 2008: Brandon Routh Video Interview
- April 29, 2008: Brandon Routh Talks Superman Sequel
- May 6, 2008: More From Brandon Routh on Next Superman Movie
- May 20, 2008: Is John Williams Returning to Superman for Man of Steel?
- May 29, 2008: Is Priyanka Chopra Superman's New Love Interest?
- June 22, 2008: Brandon Routh Speculates on Man of Steel Schedule
- June 26, 2008: Mark Millar's Plans for New Superman Movie
- June 27, 2008: Brandon Routh Out and About in L.A.
- July 10, 2008: Superman Movie Quotes, Lies and Casting Calls
- July 11, 2008: Warner Bros. and DC Comics Hold Superhero Summit
- July 21, 2008: Mark Millar on His Ideas for a Superman Movie
- July 24, 2008: Bryan Singer to Produce Capeshooters Movie
- July 28, 2008: Zack Snyder, Superman Seems Too Earnest
- August 4, 2008: Legendary's Thomas Tull Talks Superman Movie Sequel
- August 11, 2008: Morrison, Waid & Meltzer Talk Superman Returns & Reboot
- August 17, 2008: Horn and Noveck Talk Comic Character Movies
- August 19, 2008: Could Superman Fly Without Singer?
- August 22, 2008: Superman Reboot Now Confirmed By Warner Bros. President
- August 22, 2008: TrueHD Treatment for Blu-ray Superman Returns
- August 26, 2008: Industry Reactions to Superman Reboot News
- August 27, 2008: More Reboot Opinions from Superman Identities
- September 3, 2008: Mark Millar's Plans for Superman Trilogy
- September 5, 2008: Speculations and Opinions on Next Superman Movie
- September 13, 2008: More From Mark Millar on His Superman Movie Pitch
- September 23, 2008: James Marsden's Opinion on Superman Returns
- October 2, 2008: Superman and JLA Movie News and Rumors
- October 4, 2008: Rumor Control - Kevin Spacey Interview Causes Stir
- October 9, 2008: Is Brandon Routh Still Superman?
- October 14, 2008: Richard Donner's Thoughts on Superman Films
- October 16, 2008: Superman and Batman Attend Fundraiser
- October 25, 2008: Is John Ottman Returning for Next Superman Movie?
- October 29, 2008: More Details on Mark Millar's Superman Movie Pitch
- October 30, 2008: Brandon Routh's Thoughts on Next Superman Movie
- October 30, 2008: No Superheroes in Nolan's Gotham
- November 1, 2008: More From Brandon Routh on Superman Uncertainty
- November 19, 2008: Bryan Singer Talks Superman... Sort Of
- November 19, 2008: Christopher Reeve's Son Discusses Next Superman Movie
- November 21, 2008: Frank Langella Has Strong Sense About Superman Movie
- December 4, 2008: Geoff Johns Would Love to Script a Superman Movie
- December 5, 2008: Bryan Singer Not Involved in Superman Movie Talks
- December 15, 2008: More Singer Confusion Over Next Superman Movie
- December 17, 2008: Singer's Next Move Uncertain
- December 18, 2008: Alan Horn Says Couple of Years Until Next Superman Movie
- December 23, 2008: Singer Hounded By Superman Questions
- January 3, 2008: No Superman for Singer? JLA Movie Delayed?
- January 8, 2008: Justice League Movie Delayed or Cancelled?
- January 13, 2008: Decision on Justice League Movie in 2 Days
- January 16, 2008: Justice League Movie Delayed
- January 18, 2008: Further Details Regarding JLA Movie Postponement
- January 22, 2008: Megan Gale Confirms Wonder Woman Casting
- February 12, 2008: Justice League Movie Cast News
- February 17, 2008: No Superman or Batman in JLA Movie?
- February 20, 2008: Possible Justice League Movie Location
- February 22, 2008: JLA and Superman Movie Rumors
- February 25, 2008: JLA Movie May Be Made in Canada
- February 26, 2008: JLA Movie's Title and Martian Manhunter
- February 27, 2008: JLA Movie Flying Fast for 2009
- March 2, 2008: Could an Actors Strike Defeat the JLA Movie?
- March 10, 2008: Australian Film Commissioner Talks JLA Movie
- March 18, 2007: JLA Movie Code-Named: 7 Friends
- March 19, 2008: Justice League Movie Refused Tax Rebate
- April 4, 2008: Justice League Movie Tax Rebate Woes and Crew Messages
- April 7, 2008: Justice League Movie Could Move to New Zealand
- April 12, 2008: Jason Reitman Turned Down JLA Movie
- April 16, 2008: Megan Gale Preparing for JLA Movie
- April 22, 2008: Death of the JLA Movie
- June 13, 2008: JLA Movie Still on WB Agenda?
- June 18, 2008: Actor Common Says Still No Word on JLA Movie
- August 3, 2008: Miller Talks Megan Gale and JLA Movie
- August 7, 2008: Jay Baruchel Talks JLA Movie
- August 13, 2008: Justice League Movie - Dead or Alive?
- September 27, 2008: Hammer Talks Batman in JLA Movie
- October 2, 2008: Superman and JLA Movie News and Rumors
- December 3, 2008: George Miller Still on JLA Movie
- January 25, 2008: New Chris Reeve Superman Movie CDs Coming Soon
- February 15, 2008: Darth Vader Dave Prowse Talks About Superman
- February 15, 2008: Superman Brings You the Gift of Music
- February 17, 2008: Superman: The Music Photo Revealed
- February 21, 2008: Superman: The Music CD Collection Available Now!
- February 28, 2008: Interview - Superman: The Music CD Collection
- March 3, 2008: Review of Superman: The Music (1978-1988)
- March 11, 2008: Q&A with Superman: The Music Co-Producer Mike Matessino
- March 19, 2008: John Williams Tribute Concert in Chicago
- March 31, 2008: Initial Run of Superman: The Music Sells Out
- April 1, 2008: 1991 Video of Christopher Reeve Talking About Superman V
- April 1, 2008: Special Superman: The Movie Screening
- April 9, 2008: Ken Thorne Talks Scoring Superman II and III
- April 10, 2008: Christopher Reeve Quote on Superman V
- April 10, 2008: Donruss to Release Margot Kidder Trading Card
- April 14, 2008: Meet Jeff East at ConQuesT 39 Convention
- April 21, 2008: Ilya Salkind Auctions Off Personal Items
- May 1, 2008: Derek Meddings - Special Effects Superman Book
- May 21, 2008: 1990's TV Interview with Chris Reeve
- May 29, 2008: Alexander Courage Dies Aged 88
- June 3, 2008: Superman: The Music CD Collection Back in Stock
- June 12, 2008: Interview with Terence Stamp (General Zod)
- June 22, 2008: Superman Stars at Hollywood Collectors & Celebrities Show
- June 22, 2008: Margot Kidder to Speak Out on Mental Health
- June 24, 2008: Johnny Carson Interviews Christopher Reeve
- June 25, 2008: Superman III Cape Up For Auction
- June 26, 2008: Superman Movies Items on Auction
- July 8, 2008: Margot Kidder Appearing at London Film and Comic Con
- July 8, 2008: Superman II Screening in London
- July 22, 2008: Superman III Cape Swatch in Upper Deck Trading Cards
- August 15, 2008: Superman Movies in Hi-Def VOD
- August 29, 2008: WHV Announces 4 Film Favorite: Superman DVD Collection
- September 10, 2008: Empire Online's 500 Greatest Movies of All Time
- September 15, 2008: Superman: The Movie and Superman II BFI Screening Experience
- October 9, 2008: Sarah Douglas Says Chris Reeve Was Difficult to Work With
- October 10, 2008: Susannah York Appearing at Autographica in London
- October 15, 2008: Superman Celebration at Jules Verne Festival
- October 21, 2008: Comedy Sketch - General Zod Kitchens
- October 24, 2008: Margot Kidder at Armageddon Expo in New Zealand
- October 27, 2008: Richard Donner Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
- December 3, 2008: Best Comic Book Movie Poster - Superman: The Movie
- December 22, 2008: Mark Pillow Talks Superman IV
- January 10, 2008: Duane Capizzi Looks Back at Superman: Doomsday
- January 15, 2008: Official Legion of Super Heroes Website Updated
- January 17, 2008: Justice League: The New Frontier HD DVD Edition Delayed
- January 19, 2008: Justice League: The New Frontier Website Update
- February 9, 2008: Justice League: The New Frontier Soundtrack and Video Clips
- February 11, 2008: Kyle MacLachlan on Voicing Superman in New Frontier
- February 13, 2008: Special Edition New Frontier DVD and Action Figure
- February 13, 2008: Stan Berkowitz Talks Scripting New Frontier
- February 14, 2008: Brooke Shields on Voicing Carol Ferris in New Frontier
- February 15, 2008: Dave Bullock on Directing New Frontier
- February 17, 2008: Jeremy Sisto on Voicing Batman in New Frontier
- February 20, 2008: David Boreanaz on Voicing Green Lantern in New Frontier
- February 28, 2008: Interview with New Frontier Executive Producer Bruce Timm
- February 28, 2008: Interview with New Frontier Voice Director Andrea Romano
- February 29, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Director Dave Bullock
- February 29, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Phil Morris
- March 3, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Darwyn Cooke
- March 3, 2008: New Frontier Interview with Kevin Manthei
- March 7, 2008: Neil Patrick Harris is The Flash in New Frontier
- March 14, 2008: Excellent Sales for Justice League: The New Frontier
- April 30, 2008: Superman: Doomsday Finally Gets an Australian Release
- August 27, 2008: Special Edition Superman: Doomsday on DVD and Blu-ray
- September 9, 2008: Cover Artwork for Special Edition Superman: Doomsday
- January 1, 2008: More Superman Billboards in Movies
- January 16, 2008: Superman Reborn Movie Script Online
- January 30, 2008: Confessions of a Superhero Available on DVD
- March 22, 2008: Helen Slater Appearing in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- April 16, 2008: Superman Serial to Screen in Cleveland Celebration
- April 23, 2008: Brendan Fraser Talks About Almost Being Superman
- May 12, 2008: Mole Man Jerry Maren's Life Story Released
- June 13, 2008: DC Movies versus Marvel Movies
- June 26, 2008: Kirk Alyn Talks About Auditioning for Superman
- July 3, 2008: Will Smith on Why Hancock Suits Him Better Than Superman
- July 7, 2008: Superhero Rumble - Hancock vs Superman
- July 21, 2008: Last Son Documentary Screening in Cleveland
- July 22, 2008: Helen Slater at the Super Megashow and Comicfest
- August 14, 2008: Jon Peters and Stan Lee Planning a DC vs Marvel Movie?
- August 15, 2008: Siegel and Shuster Life Story on Film
- August 19, 2008: Lex Luthor in Green Arrow Movie
- August 20, 2008: Derek Meddings - Special Effects Superman Book
- September 11, 2008: Brendan Fraser Recalls J.J. Abrams' Superman
- September 17, 2008: Brett Ratner and the Superman Movie He Wanted to Make
- October 14, 2008: Kirk Alyn Personal Collection on Auction
- October 18, 2008: New Korean Drama/Comedy Film If I Were Superman
- December 2, 2008: Superman Cameo in Green Lantern Movie
- December 24, 2008: New Fleischer Superman DVD Collection
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